Toolbox: Old Faithfuls

Some things are not meant to
change. In the modern era of
lightweight, electronic tools, three
heavy-duty veterans stand out as my
favorites: the Skil model 77 saw, the
Black & Decker model 1321 drill,
and the Porter-Cable model 504 belt
sander. These tools were first issued
more than 40 years ago and are still
available today, virtually unchanged.
They may not be svelte and sexy
like the tools adorning the front pages
of current tool catalogs. After all, they
were designed in the era of the flathead
V-8 and Rosie the Riveter.
But these designs have not just
stood the test of time, they continue
to be industry standards.
Slow Speed, High Torque
At 91/2 pounds, the Black